5 Ways Minnesota Timberwolves have evolved into the best team in the West

The Minnesota Timberwolves have surprisingly been the best team in the Western Conference.

Two seasons ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves were ridiculed for their over-the-top celebration after the 2022 play-in tournament. Then, in the 2023 playoffs, the Wolves looked like an afterthought once more when they got knocked out by the eventual-champion Denver Nuggets in just five games.

Eight months after that gentleman's sweep, Minnesota is perched atop the Western Conference like a fearsome hound howling at the full moon. Who's laughing now?

Nearly a quarter of the way into the 2023-24 season, the Timberwolves have emerged as a legitimate powerhouse in the West. Despite the fact that stacked teams like Denver and Phoenix have imposed their might early on, Minnesota has nevertheless emerged as a strong playoff contender. Boasting a 14-4 record after their first 18 games, Anthony Edwards and the rest of the pack have had plenty of reason to smile ear-to-ear.

How exactly have the Wolves pulled this off? Five aspects of their game command the NBA's attention.